But she admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted child destruction, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Sentencing was adjourned until her husband Christopher Dean, 39, who was also in court on related charges, had been dealt with.

He pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and doing an act tending to pervert the course of justice.

That was on the basis that when he disposed of a bundle of evidence he did not know it contained the knife used in the stabbing.

Five other charges against him including attempted murder, wounding with intent, aiding and abetting an assault, attempted child destruction and aiding and abetting attempted child destruction will be put to him next Friday.

Depending on his pleas, the case may be adjourned for sentence or go for trial as early as April 9.

The pair were both remanded in custody.

The 28-year-old victim of the attack was taken to hospital but is believed to have recovered.